Never the Same

Dr. Tony Pisani

"Never the Same" is an interview-based podcast exploring how different work streams intersect with suicide prevention, career development, and life lessons. The title draws inspiration from Heraclitus' quote, "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man," reflecting the ever-changing nature of life and personal growth. Each episode features conversations with guests from various fields, highlighting defining moments and shifts in thinking. The podcast aims to uncover new insights for suicide prevention while offering broader perspectives on personal and professional growth.

  1. SEP 15

    Leadership Reflections—Western Australia Chief Psychiatrist Nathan Gibson, Mental Health Commissioner Maureen Lewis

    In this episode of "Never the Same," Tony Pisani sits down with two of Western Australia's leading mental health voices: Maureen Lewis, Mental Health Commissioner since 2023, and Dr. Nathan Gibson, Chief Psychiatrist since 2013. Together, they represent both the vision for reform and the clinical guardrails of accountability in Western Australia’s mental health system. The conversation explores their unique roles in the mental health landscape, from commissioning services to regulatory oversight. They share insights on strategic leadership, including frameworks for crisis decision-making and the importance of "thinking time" in complex systems. The discussion covers First Nations mental health approaches, the integration of lived experience voices, and their shift toward trauma-informed care. Both leaders reflect on their accidental paths to leadership, the challenges of managing a mental health system across one of the world's largest geographic health services, and what gives them hope for the future. Their candid discussion offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in systemic change and leadership in challenging environments. Guests: Maureen Lewis was appointed Mental Health Commissioner for Western Australia in July 2023. In this role, she oversees the commissioning of all mental health and drug and alcohol services in Western Australia, a role that combines purchasing decisions with advocacy.  Dr. Nathan Gibson has served as Western Australia's Chief Psychiatrist since 2013. He provides independent regulatory oversight under the Mental Health Act. His focus includes standards of care, quality, safety, and reducing restrictive practices across public and private psychiatric services. Host Dr. Tony Pisani is a professor, clinician, and founder of SafeSide Prevention, leading its mission to build safer, more connected military, health, education, and workplace communities.

    1h 21m
  2. AUG 11

    Prof. Pat Dudgeon's Groundbreaking Life and Work on Social Emotional Wellbeing

    In this inspiring instalment of Never the Same, host Dr Tony Pisani welcomes Professor Pat Dudgeon, the first Aboriginal psychologist in Australia and a global voice for First Nations mental health.  Pat describes how confronting the racism in the system sparked her mission to “decolonise” psychology and build a new framework called Social and Emotional Wellbeing, a model that places self, family, community, culture, and Country at the centre of healing. Across the episode, Pat and Tony revisit moments such as the Ways Forward national report, discuss why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide demands distinct responses, and celebrate community-led successes, from Indigenous Rangers caring for land to universities rewriting psychology curricula.  Key Points Pat’s path to becoming the first Aboriginal psychologistOrigins and pillars of the SEWB paradigmThe Ways Forward report and Boat Shed DeclarationDistinct drivers of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander suicideSuccess stories: Indigenous Rangers, psychology curriculum reformThe role of climate action and caring for Country Resources Mentioned Ways Forward: National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Policy Report SEWB model diagram & “Working Together” chapter Dance of Life wellbeing model by Prof Helen MilroySweetgrass Research Method — Dr Mark Standing Eagle BaezIndigenous Rangers Program (Australia) Professor Pat Dudgeon is a Bardi woman from the Kimberley and Australia’s first Aboriginal psychologist. She co-chairs the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention and advocates for culturally informed mental-health systems worldwide. Dr. Tony Pisani is a professor, clinician, and founder of SafeSide Prevention, leading its mission to build safer, more connected military, health, education, and workplace communities.

    57 min
  3. JUL 14

    A Global Vision for Crisis Support: Alan Woodward's Hope for the Future

    Alan Woodward has spent decades strengthening crisis services around the world — from answering calls on the Lifeline crisis line to advising government leaders and building new programs. In this episode, Alan reflects on what it takes to face hard moments, how crisis services save lives, and why kindness (to others and ourselves) matters more than we realise. Together, we explore the lessons Alan learned growing up in a coastal city in Australia, navigating career changes, managing anxiety, and staying committed to making the world better. Guest: Alan Woodward is a global leader in crisis support and suicide prevention. His work spans decades of service as a researcher, advocate, and advisor to governments and organisations, with deep roots in community-based care. Host: Dr. Tony Pisani is a professor, clinician, and founder of SafeSide Prevention, leading its mission to build safer, more connected military, health, education, and workplace communities. Resources and References Mentioned:  Madelyn Gould, Columbia University – suicide prevention research.Consensus Statement on Crisis Support from international crisis line networksInternational Association for Suicide Prevention – work on decriminalisation of suicide Lifeline International – Alan’s current organisation Ghana's Decriminalisation of Suicide – paper Australia’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy – released this year Professor Rory O’Connor – theory of suicide and the role of entrapmentRoyal Commission into Robodebt (Australia) – Submission from Suicide Prevention Australia

    1h 47m
  4. JUN 17

    What about the Children? Five Values for Multiracial Families with Nicole Doyley

    Nicole Doyley’s life and writing centre on one key question: What about the children? In this episode, Nicole reflects on growing up in a biracial family, her evolving racial identity, and the parenting values she developed as a result. She discusses transracial adoption, the impact of Black History Month, how culture shapes resilience, and why awareness and humility are essential for any caregiver. Nicole shares her family’s story, from her parents’ marriage in the 1960s (when their marriage was still illegal in some states) to her own cross-cultural marriage to a Jamaican man, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of race, belonging, and what it means to be “seen.” Guest: Nicole Doyley is an author and podcast host whose latest book, What About the Children? Five Values for Multiracial Families draws from her personal and professional experiences. Nicole grew up in a biracial family, served as a campus pastor, and now helps parents and communities navigate race, identity, and parenting with honesty and cultural awareness. Host: Dr. Tony Pisani is a professor, clinician, and founder of SafeSide Prevention, leading its mission to build safer, more connected military, health, education, and workplace communities. Resources and References:  Nicole Doyley – What About the Children? Five Values for Multiracial FamiliesChimamanda Ngozi Adichie – The Danger of a Single StoryThe Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. WoodsonLecrae – story of racial identity, healing, and therapyU.S. Census – changes to allow multiple racial identities (2000)Nicole's podcast – First a Man: growing up in a Black nation (featuring her husband Marvin)

    1h 18m
  5. MAR 18

    When Young People Need Support: Conversations That Matter with Dr. Melissa Dundas

    In this episode, Dr. Tony Pisani, Kristina Mossgraber, and Dr. Melissa Dundas discuss the critical role primary care providers play in youth suicide prevention. They share personal insights, professional experiences, and practical strategies to support young people beyond just referrals to mental health services. They cover how to build trust with youth, recognize warning signs, and create a culture of safety within healthcare settings and communities. Whether you're a clinician, educator, parent, or caregiver, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for fostering connection and providing effective support. Note: This episode was originally released in 2023 through a collaboration with Aetna as “Practical Advice About Youth Suicide Prevention in Primary Care”. We loved this chat with Dr Dundas so much we wanted to share it again with our Never the Same Audience.   Guests:Kristina Mossgraber is a suicide prevention advocate with lived experience and part of SafeSide’s faculty, dedicated to improving support systems for those struggling with mental health. Dr. Melissa Dundas is a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist passionate about integrating mental health support into primary care. Host:  Dr. Tony Pisani is a clinical psychologist and educational media lead at SafeSide Prevention. Mentioned Resources: Evidence-based suicide-specific treatments.Safety planning intervention.Improving cultural competenceReformulating Suicide Risk Formulation, foreseeable changes. If you or someone you know needs support:  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 988Lifeline (Australia) - 1800 551 800 Lifeline (New Zealand) - Phone: 0800 543 354 or Text 4357Production Credits:Hannah Mang, Senior Video Editor and ProducerAnnie Lewis, Content and Communications ManagerLuke Pisani, Music   (c) 2024. SafeSide Media, LLC.

    45 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

"Never the Same" is an interview-based podcast exploring how different work streams intersect with suicide prevention, career development, and life lessons. The title draws inspiration from Heraclitus' quote, "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man," reflecting the ever-changing nature of life and personal growth. Each episode features conversations with guests from various fields, highlighting defining moments and shifts in thinking. The podcast aims to uncover new insights for suicide prevention while offering broader perspectives on personal and professional growth.